Sunrise above Lanikai, Hawaii

Sunrise or sunset, which do you prefer? While sunsets are beautiful and romantic, sunrises are more private and you usually have to work hard to catch a good one. One of my favorite places to watch a sunrise is from above Lanikai beach in Hawaii.

There is a short hike called the Ka`iwa Ridge Trail up to a couple WWII era bunkers. This is a popular and crowded hike during the day, although fewer hikers make the trek up for sunrise. A couple times Josh and I have been the only ones on the trail. We lucked out once by finding a nightblooming cerus. These flowers are rare and are said to bloom only once a year. Josh captured the moment to create my favorite sunrise picture below.

The bunkers, also known as pillboxes, overlook the beach and the Mokulua Islands. In the opposite direction are views of the sharp cliffs of the Ko`olau Mountains. It’s an amazing site and even more breathtaking at sunrise!

If you want to check out this hike in Hawaii, drive to Kailua and park next to the Mid-Pacific Country Club on Kaelepulu Drive. The trailhead will be across the street. Click here to learn more.